Rotterdam, Netherlands – A gunman killed three people in a shooting rampage in Rotterdam. The shooter, identified as Fouad L, opened fire at a residence before setting it on fire and then proceeded to attack the Erasmus Medical Centre. A woman, aged 39, and her 14-year-old daughter were killed at the residence, while a 43-year-old lecturer named Jurgen Damen was killed at the hospital.
The Rotterdam Police Department has arrested a 32-year-old student from Erasmus University Medical Centre in connection with both incidents. However, the motive behind the attacks has not been officially established. Disturbing images, including Nazi and right-wing extremist materials, as well as videos of people being stabbed to death, were found on Fouad L’s phone.
Prior to the shooting, Fouad L had been interrogated by the police for animal abuse, as he reportedly tortured animals including his dog and pet rabbits. It is believed that the 39-year-old woman killed had previously reported him for animal abuse. In addition, Fouad L had made disturbing posts on the extremist forum 4Chan, expressing his animosity towards “normies” (normal people) and mentioning ongoing conflicts with his university teachers.
The incident at the hospital resulted in medical staff being evacuated, and a man dressed in camouflage was taken into custody by specialist units. Police have stated that they are not searching for a second shooter. Fires broke out at both the residence and the hospital following the shootings.
The Erasmus Medical Centre advised people not to come to the facility due to the incidents. Photos from the scene showed a sign in Dutch on the university building that read “we can’t get out.” Minister of Justice and Security, Dilan Yesilgöz, described the day as a “very dark” one.
In summary, a shooting rampage in Rotterdam left three people dead, including a woman and her daughter at a residence and a lecturer at the hospital. The arrested suspect, Fouad L, had disturbing images on his phone, including Nazi and right-wing extremist materials. The motive behind the attacks is yet to be determined.
